(Image: Submitted)
Passengers are being urged to check their rights and prepare for possible flight disruption ahead of a staff walkout at Leeds Bradford Airport.
The warning comes as almost 130 Unite members at the airport are preparing to strike over pay between October 16 and 18.
The industrial action involves air traffic control, customer experience, security, and cleaning staff, with Unite claiming it would "force a total shutdown of the airport, with no flights able to operate and no staff available to assist passengers within the terminal".
Leeds Bradford Airport, however, said it anticipated that operations would be "running near-normal operations during the period".
Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of passenger rights organisation AirHelp, said passengers should prepare for the possibility of disruption to their travel plans.
“While the airport has stated it expects to operate near-normal services, the involvement of air traffic control staff means delays and cancellations remain a real possibility," he said.
“At this stage, it's crucial that those impacted fully understand what they are entitled to under UK law regarding compensation. Strike-related disruption can be complex from a passenger rights perspective, as entitlement often depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the cancellation or delay.
“Where disruption is caused by airport staff industrial action rather than an airline’s own employees, passengers may find that fixed compensation under UK261 is not available due to circumstances falling outside the airline’s control. However, this does not mean that passengers have no rights.
“Airlines are still required to offer passengers whose flights are cancelled a choice between a full refund and rerouting, as well as care while they wait, including meals and refreshments and, where necessary, hotel accommodation and transfers. AirHelp advises passengers to retain receipts and records of any reasonable expenses incurred as a result of their disruption.
“Clear communication is essential when industrial action affects travel."
What do you think?
Are you worried about your flight this weekend? Send us a letter with your views. Please write no more than 250 words and you must provide your full name, address and mobile number. Email: letters@thepress.co.uk
Mr Pawliszyn encouraged travellers to stay informed and monitor updates from both the airport and their airline before travelling.
The strike action is taking place during a dispute over pay, with Unite arguing that staff should receive equal pay to colleagues at other UK airports.
Recommended reads:
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, previously said: "Leeds Bradford Airport is very profitable and can more than afford to come back to the table with an offer that doesn't fall short of our members' expectations.
"Our hardworking members should not be paid less than those doing the same jobs at other airports."
Leeds Bradford Airport told The Press it had made a "fair and responsible offer" to staff.
In a statement last week, a spokesperson said: "We respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action.
"Our priority now is to minimise disruption for customers, many of whom have worked hard and saved for important holidays, family visits and business travel."